In the Long Run

I was disturbed by an incident in Wal-Mart this morning. I was browsing through the children’s books and toddler toys, looking for a baby gift. I noticed a cute young girl, about four years old, down the aisle playing with first one toy and then another. She seemed oblivious to my presence, or to anyone who walked down the aisle, and quite content to be playing alone. I waited for a mother, a babysitter, or a sibling to appear and scold the child for wandering off, but even after about ten minutes, no one had come to claim her.

Then the child approached me. “Can you take me to the bathroom?” she asked. I was horrified, really. Where was this little girl’s parent?! I asked if her mother were in the store. “She’s shopping. She told me to stay here.” I really couldn’t believe it. I know we live in a seemingly small and safe community, but the world in general is a dangerous place.

The girl told me her name was Chloe. Then she added, “I have four names. My whole name is Chloe Ann Marie __________.” Four lovely names, but not a single loving caregiver. Perhaps that sounds a bit harsh. But I find it extremely negligent and bordering on child abuse to purposely leave a child alone in a large department store.

I immediately contacted a nearby store manager, who got on the store intercom to take care of the situation. I don’t think it would have been appropriate for me to take Chloe to the restroom, even though I know I am a trustworthy adult. The fact is, Chloe didn’t know if I could be trusted, and neither did her mother know what kind of adults might be in the store in the children’s toy aisle.

I’m not suggesting that we teach our children to be afraid and mistrustful of people, and especially of strangers. But certainly we need to educate them about potentially dangerous situations and how to avoid them. And above all, as responsible adults, we need to make sure we are not culpable of placing our children in those dangerous situations. I hope that Chloe’s mom realizes that in the long run, a loving parent provides protection, and not just a pretty name.

Posted by Cyppy at 9:36 PM